Pernsteiner admits to rape of a child after accepting plea agreement

LEWISTON, ID - A 21-year-old Lewiston man said he's guilty of rape after accepting a plea agreement in court.

Luke Pernsteiner entered a guilty plea in Nez Perce County court so the prosecutor would drop a charge of lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16. His sentencing isn't until the beginning of November. He faces up to life in prison on the single charge.

"The rule eleven agreement contemplates that you are going to enter a plea of guilty to count one of the rape charge in exchange the state will be dismissing count two," said Second Judicial District Court Judge Carl Kerrick.

He's also in court in November for a parole violation, a crime that could get him up to seven extra years of jail time.